Just back from the Oasis

[iriemon]

Just returned from a 7 day eastern Caribbean cruise on Oasis of the Seas. There were 4 of us, myself, my adult daughter and another couple that we have cruised with a number of times. We are in our 60’s and my DD is in her 30’s. This was my 50th cruise and had been on the Oasis before dry dock. For everyone else it was their first time on the Oasis but not their first sailing with RCL. We had a fantastic time! The ship is beautiful and the changes they made to it were great. So glad they added the hot dog stand and Mexican restaurant. Since we have been to these islands so many times we did not do the things that most people do when they arrive so I am not going to include the islands in this review I will concentrate on the ship.

Food

As I said the ship is breathtaking. The most amazing part of it is with 6,000 people on it you never felt crowded (except for the first day at the buffet but that is expected on any ship). We did not eat in the dining room, we ate either in the buffet or one of the specialty restaurants. We ate in Chops one night and the food and service was excellent (except for one little bump that I will go into later). I had the veal chop and others had Filets. All were cooked to order and very tasty. Had the shrimp cocktail for an appetizer and the shrimp were the size of your finger. Sauce was kind of spicy but that is a matter of taste. Sides and veggies were also great. We were so stuffed we could hardly move. We also ate in Giovani’s table. Food was also excellent but really liked Portofino’s menu better. Sorry to hear they are changing them all to Giovani’s. Ate in Central Park Café a couple of times for lunch. Excellent salads and sandwiches. The buffet IMHO was excellent. Good variety and very tasty. Had prime rib twice on it along with lobster, muscles, crab legs. Always had a good selection. Just two comments, RCCL needs to improve their desserts. They should hire a chef from Princess. Always bland and non descriptive. The other thing is why don’t they have bread out for sandwiches at lunch? Would also like to see an omelet station like the other ships have.

Activities

There was always something going on. Plenty to do if you wanted to. We went to CATS, The scenery was wonderful as were the costumes. The performers really did a good job. I like musicals but it was not my type of show though and we ended up leaving at intermission it really had no story to it. The other couple that was with us had seen it on Broadway and said it was just as good. We also went to the comedy show which had tears rolling down my face from laughing so hard. We also went to Come Fly With Me, another excellent show. What can be said about the aqua show, you will never seen anything like this again on any ship (except Allure) All in all we were very pleased with them. We usually don’t go to the shows because after a while they all seem the same, but don’t miss these. Remember to make your reservations early on line. The casino is nice and large. Actually did pretty well there. Would have done better if I stopped halfway through the cruise.

Rooms

The rooms are kind of small compared to other ships. We were in 14214 Balcony on the 14th floor. I am usually very good about looking at room location what was above and below, but when I made these reservations I had a lot going on and didn’t look. Lesson learned! We were right under the pool deck, scraping of chairs, people running, etc. No one to blame but myself. The other thing we missed was the room only had 3 drawers. Since I was rooming with my daughter we had the beds separated. Well when separated there was about 6 inches between the beds. As I said the rooms were kind of small.

Misc

We did not have the greatest weather on this cruise which is not RCL’s fault. One day we had gusts of 63mph and rain. They closed the upper decks and warned people about the balconies. The ship really handled it well, very little rocking. Thanks Captain! There was always other things to do so we were fine. Although we didn’t have children with us they looked like they were having fun in the childrens area. I wish the staff would have done something about the number of children “swimming” in the adult whirlpools.

This was my first time traveling as a Diamond member. I loved it, the perks are great. I think RCCL does the best with this. Only glitch was the drinks that are loaded on your card. If I didn’t tell the bartender that it was on my diamond club, I would get charged (even though my card said diamond) From what I had read it was supposed to be automatic

Bumps along the way

We had a few things happen on board that has never happened to me before. Did they ruin my vacation, no, I wouldn’t let that happen. Was it annoying yes.

The first day on the cruise while we were out at sea, I was at the casino and ordered a drink. They came back and said my card wasn’t working and had to go to guest relations. It worked in the slots but not to buy things. Went there, well you all know what the lines are like on the first day. Finally got to front, my account had been shut down. They had no idea why, but reactivated it.

The third day I got a message that since I was paying with cash I needed to put a deposit on the account. I was not paying with cash, I had put in my credit card with preregistration and they swiped it at the port. Back to guest services. Somehow all my information was not there – once again they had no idea why. Gave them the credit card again and I was good.

We usually pick a place to have a drink before dinner. We decided to go to the Globe and Atlas. The service there was terrible. They would be standing there talking and ignore you. When they did come over it was like a real effort. We went there 5 times, same staff and unlike other places around the ship where they recognize you when you have been there a couple of times they never even smiled never mind welcome back. No wonder the place was always empty unlike on other ships where it is full most of the time.

The last one was the most annoying of all. We were in Chops eating and as I said the food and service was great up to the end. As the waiter was pouring the last of the bottle of wine into my daughter’s glass which she has ordered he turned to me and said “someone is going to get lucky tonight”. I turned to him and looked him straight in the eyes and said “Not with my daughter”. Even if he was joking that is something that never should have been said. It was insulting and demeaning. My daughter was embarrassed as was the other couple at the table.

Final Thoughts

All in all it was a great cruise. Would I go on it again, you bet. For some reason that I can’t put my finger on I like the Allure a little better and in talking to others they said the same but couldn’t really say why. If you have a chance go you will enjoy it and don’t let little bumps spoil your vacation just chalk it off.

Any questions, let me know and I will try to answer them.

[Lionesss]

Very nice review.

 

Well organized.

 

Cannot wait to sail her.

 

I can believe that ignorant comment made to you at the table..........nothing amazes me anymore.

 

My DH would have been much more aggressive than you...........you were very kind.................and should have dealt with this situation to his superiors.

 

But, it was your vacation, and glad to hear you had a great time.

 

Thanks again

 

Sea Ya

Edited December 7, 2014 by Lionesss

[Aussie Jeep]

Thank you. Enjoyed the review. Do you have any pictures to post? I am looking forward to being on OOS in April.

[iriemon]

Very nice review.

 

Well organized.

 

Cannot wait to sail her.

 

I can believe that ignorant comment made to you at the table..........nothing amazes me anymore.

 

My DH would have been much more aggressive than you...........you were very kind.................and should have dealt with this situation to his superiors.

 

But, it was your vacation, and glad to hear you had a great time.

 

Thanks again

 

Sea Ya

 

I was going to go to the Matre D who was very nice, but my daughter saw how upset I was and said just let it go some people are just ignorant. In the end she was right because I know I would have lost it.

[iriemon]

Thank you. Enjoyed the review. Do you have any pictures to post? I am looking forward to being on OOS in April.

 

Sorry no real good pictures of the ship. This being my 50th cruise I tend not to take pictures of the ship just the people I am with.

[MOcruiserman]

I was going to go to the Matre D who was very nice, but my daughter saw how upset I was and said just let it go some people are just ignorant. In the end she was right because I know I would have lost it.

It was an incredibly stupid thing to say and RCCL management ought to be aware of it.

 

I'd write a letter of complaint to the President of RCCL.

[cruzkitty]

Thanks for posting your Review! I love the Oasis-going back for my third trip on Her in Sept!

[iriemon]

It was an incredibly stupid thing to say and RCCL management ought to be aware of it.

 

I'd write a letter of complaint to the President of RCCL.

 

I did put it in the review that RCL sends you on line so someone should see it

[pema]

we will be doing the Allure TA 4/19/15 FLL to BCN..she will be in dry dock as we finish our cruise on 5/1/15...I am wondering IF we will have any areas of the ship preparing for dry dock while we are on board ?

[CVU]

we will be doing the Allure TA 4/19/15 FLL to BCN..she will be in dry dock as we finish our cruise on 5/1/15...I am wondering IF we will have any areas of the ship preparing for dry dock while we are on board ?

 

On this cruise as well and would Not be surprised if they were working on the ship on the way over. Hope not though!:)

 

We had enough construction on Oasis Post dry dock on our TA. Getting compensation for that and other things, hasn't arrived in the mail yet...........

 

They worked on the Mariner TA before she went to China. That was not dry dock but was a disruption to the passengers, they got some compensation.

[FLACRUISER99]

we will be doing the Allure TA 4/19/15 FLL to BCN..she will be in dry dock as we finish our cruise on 5/1/15...I am wondering IF we will have any areas of the ship preparing for dry dock while we are on board ?

I would say better than a 100% chance.

[Natmom]

Thank you so much for the review! DH and I are taking our first rcl cruise to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. We are sailing the oasis in May. I really enjoy hearing current reviews:)

[cruisingram1]

Was the super fast high speed (O3B) internet working? If so, is there a price list?

[tomko2]

Enjoyed reading your review. We will be on OAS next December.

 

We were on the Liberty OTS last week and, like you, marveled at how smooth the ship was given that nasty weather with high winds on Tuesday.

 

Fortunately Portofino is still on the Liberty although we heard it will be changed over to Giovanni's after dry dock. We have two more sailings on the Liberty this winter so we will savour our dinners in Portofino as we totally agree with you about preferring it over Giovanni's. Too bad RCL is making the change.

[iriemon]

Was the super fast high speed (O3B) internet working? If so, is there a price list?

 

I did not notice any difference in the speed of the internet. It took me 27 minutes to send 3 short emails. I don't remember the prices, I had free internet service as a diamond member

[Sky616]

Don't want to hijack your thread but I was on your sailing as well with our family of 4. I do agree with you about the ship. It is stunning and beautiful with there always being something to do. I will disagree as to me it did feel crowded. The elevators were always full and stopped at almost every floor. The windjammer to me was not just full the first day but almost every time I went in there. And of course the parades and the parties in the promenade were very crowded. This is the first time we sailed a ship this large and probably won't again.

 

We ate at Chops also. By far one of the best meals we've ever had. We don't usually do specialty restaurants but got 2 free from our TA. Glad we went. We had the last boardwalk balcony on deck 12 and watching the Aqua show from our room was a highlight which my sons couldn't wait for each time. Too bad that 2 shows got cancelled because of the lousy weather we had. Sure is one great show.

 

The MTD is a complete disaster. I never thought we would have to make reservations pre cruise. Never had to on Freedom a few years back and the longest we waited was ten minutes. The first night we waited an hour in the non reservation line. Next day I called to make reservations for next night and earliest was 8:30 so we showed up at 5:15 and didn't have to wait but don't like eating that early. The rest of the week except for one night I got in my reservation around 6 but we still had to wait around 15-20 minutes each time. Talked with many others who were really ticked off about it.

 

Oasis had some good points and some bad but overall it was a good vacation but our next is on Adventure which is the best cruises we had on that class of ship.

[iriemon]

Don't want to hijack your thread but I was on your sailing as well with our family of 4. I do agree with you about the ship. It is stunning and beautiful with there always being something to do. I will disagree as to me it did feel crowded. The elevators were always full and stopped at almost every floor. The windjammer to me was not just full the first day but almost every time I went in there. And of course the parades and the parties in the promenade were very crowded. This is the first time we sailed a ship this large and probably won't again.

 

We ate at Chops also. By far one of the best meals we've ever had. We don't usually do specialty restaurants but got 2 free from our TA. Glad we went. We had the last boardwalk balcony on deck 12 and watching the Aqua show from our room was a highlight which my sons couldn't wait for each time. Too bad that 2 shows got cancelled because of the lousy weather we had. Sure is one great show.

 

The MTD is a complete disaster. I never thought we would have to make reservations pre cruise. Never had to on Freedom a few years back and the longest we waited was ten minutes. The first night we waited an hour in the non reservation line. Next day I called to make reservations for next night and earliest was 8:30 so we showed up at 5:15 and didn't have to wait but don't like eating that early. The rest of the week except for one night I got in my reservation around 6 but we still had to wait around 15-20 minutes each time. Talked with many others who were really ticked off about it.

 

Oasis had some good points and some bad but overall it was a good vacation but our next is on Adventure which is the best cruises we had on that class of ship.

 

Never really had a problem with the elevators and one in our party was in a power wheel chair, but then again we did not go on prime time. We don't go to the dining room for that main reason. No matter what the line since they have gone to open dining it is a disaster, plus I would rather eat in shorts and a t-shirt most of the time. The last time I was on the Oasis I had a boardwalk balcony and I agree one of the best seats in the house for the aqua show

[bgoff60]

Sorry no real good pictures of the ship. This being my 50th cruise I tend not to take pictures of the ship just the people I am with.

 

I agree. Any chance you have any or all of the in-room Compass print outs. We sail on January 10. Looking for any inside info...

 

-Health and fair winds!

[bgoff60]

Sorry no real good pictures of the ship. This being my 50th cruise I tend not to take pictures of the ship just the people I am with.

 

I agree. Any chance you have any or all of the in-room Compass print outs. We sail on January 10. Looking for any inside info...

 

-Health and fair winds!

[lizstas]

Excellent review...I just returned from the same sailing and it was my first sailing as a diamond member as well. I agree with all you had said for us our experience in Chops was not the same as far as service. We did not realize until our bill came that the day of sailing the specialty restaurants were 50% off. We were a group of 6 (2 kids)--1/2 pre-paid and 1/2 did not--fixing that discount for the pre-paid was a headache! Once seated we were approached by the waiter and given the wine menu. He said he encouraged us to order a bottle of mid priced wine. We discussed but we rarely drink wine. Maybe a glass or two in a year and usually at New Years. He came back and asked if we decided on a wine and we again said we would pass. He dropped the menu to the table and said he would give us time to think about the wine and be back. He returned about 10 minutes later inquiring on the wine and finally realized we wouldn't order any. We actually ordered bar drinks instead and he said that we should order wine with the meal. Never did bring our drinks from the bar. He took our order for the entrée and said don't worry about sides he will bring a variety for all--. He did bring the entrees and a few sides of mashed potatoes and French fries (none of us did want fries) but no baked potatoes. Mom asked if it were possible for 3 of us to have a baked potato. He said of course. He brought back one and said since they were so large we may want to split it. The steak had a good taste but was room temperature warm and sides also were not "hot". I did very much enjoy the quality of the food for the price. Had I paid full price warm wouldn't have satisfied me. I just don't feel that restaurant is worth $35 per person. Now that I see the filet is on the MDR menu for $16.95 I would enjoy it as much there--I realize it will likely be at the luke warm temperature. After the meal was completed and signing my name to the bill I realized why he was pushing the wine...to increase the tip. I always tip based on service for the full price of the meal...before coupons and discounts. I realize that may not be always the case. Great service can often and in my case it does make up for subpar food. I appreciate the hard work of the wait staff, room stewards and all those that do all they can to make my vacation that much more enjoyable. I take the time to fill out the WOW cards, additional gratuity, etc. Maybe the waiter was having a bad day, but my feeling is he has been burned often with tips and just assumed it was going to happen again. MDR wait staff--Ramazan was EXCELLENT even in the windjammer they would see six of us trying to find a table they would help. I can't say enough about the service...really great. First sailing on the OASIS Loved the ship and based on your recommendation I will be looking to the Allure! Will be on the Adventure in 6 weeks...I know that will be no comparison! The weather we had last week made me so happy that I was on the world's largest cruise ship--Monday was tough for me!

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Don't want to hijack your thread but I was on your sailing as well with our family of 4. I do agree with you about the ship. It is stunning and beautiful with there always being something to do. I will disagree as to me it did feel crowded. The elevators were always full and stopped at almost every floor. The windjammer to me was not just full the first day but almost every time I went in there. And of course the parades and the parties in the promenade were very crowded. This is the first time we sailed a ship this large and probably won't again.

 

 

 

We ate at Chops also. By far one of the best meals we've ever had. We don't usually do specialty restaurants but got 2 free from our TA. Glad we went. We had the last boardwalk balcony on deck 12 and watching the Aqua show from our room was a highlight which my sons couldn't wait for each time. Too bad that 2 shows got cancelled because of the lousy weather we had. Sure is one great show.

 

 

 

The MTD is a complete disaster. I never thought we would have to make reservations pre cruise. Never had to on Freedom a few years back and the longest we waited was ten minutes. The first night we waited an hour in the non reservation line. Next day I called to make reservations for next night and earliest was 8:30 so we showed up at 5:15 and didn't have to wait but don't like eating that early. The rest of the week except for one night I got in my reservation around 6 but we still had to wait around 15-20 minutes each time. Talked with many others who were really ticked off about it.

 

 

 

Oasis had some good points and some bad but overall it was a good vacation but our next is on Adventure which is the best cruises we had on that class of ship.

 

 

Were you the cabin with what looked like some luggage on your balcony?

 

If so you never yelled over. Lol

 

Bill

 

 

 

 

Sent from Iphone 6 using Cruise Critic App

[S.S.Oceanlover]

I agree. Any chance you have any or all of the in-room Compass print outs. We sail on January 10. Looking for any inside info...

 

 

 

-Health and fair winds!

 

 

I have them if you can wait a day or 2 to scan them in.

 

Bill

 

 

Sent from Iphone 6 using Cruise Critic App

[nelblu]

Just returned from a 7 day eastern Caribbean cruise on Oasis of the Seas. There were 4 of us, myself, my adult daughter and another couple that we have cruised with a number of times. We are in our 60’s and my DD is in her 30’s. This was my 50th cruise and had been on the Oasis before dry dock. For everyone else it was their first time on the Oasis but not their first sailing with RCL. We had a fantastic time! The ship is beautiful and the changes they made to it were great. So glad they added the hot dog stand and Mexican restaurant. Since we have been to these islands so many times we did not do the things that most people do when they arrive so I am not going to include the islands in this review I will concentrate on the ship.

Food

As I said the ship is breathtaking. The most amazing part of it is with 6,000 people on it you never felt crowded (except for the first day at the buffet but that is expected on any ship). We did not eat in the dining room, we ate either in the buffet or one of the specialty restaurants. We ate in Chops one night and the food and service was excellent (except for one little bump that I will go into later). I had the veal chop and others had Filets. All were cooked to order and very tasty. Had the shrimp cocktail for an appetizer and the shrimp were the size of your finger. Sauce was kind of spicy but that is a matter of taste. Sides and veggies were also great. We were so stuffed we could hardly move. We also ate in Giovani’s table. Food was also excellent but really liked Portofino’s menu better. Sorry to hear they are changing them all to Giovani’s. Ate in Central Park Café a couple of times for lunch. Excellent salads and sandwiches. The buffet IMHO was excellent. Good variety and very tasty. Had prime rib twice on it along with lobster, muscles, crab legs. Always had a good selection. Just two comments, RCCL needs to improve their desserts. They should hire a chef from Princess. Always bland and non descriptive. The other thing is why don’t they have bread out for sandwiches at lunch? Would also like to see an omelet station like the other ships have.

Activities

There was always something going on. Plenty to do if you wanted to. We went to CATS, The scenery was wonderful as were the costumes. The performers really did a good job. I like musicals but it was not my type of show though and we ended up leaving at intermission it really had no story to it. The other couple that was with us had seen it on Broadway and said it was just as good. We also went to the comedy show which had tears rolling down my face from laughing so hard. We also went to Come Fly With Me, another excellent show. What can be said about the aqua show, you will never seen anything like this again on any ship (except Allure) All in all we were very pleased with them. We usually don’t go to the shows because after a while they all seem the same, but don’t miss these. Remember to make your reservations early on line. The casino is nice and large. Actually did pretty well there. Would have done better if I stopped halfway through the cruise.

Rooms

The rooms are kind of small compared to other ships. We were in 14214 Balcony on the 14th floor. I am usually very good about looking at room location what was above and below, but when I made these reservations I had a lot going on and didn’t look. Lesson learned! We were right under the pool deck, scraping of chairs, people running, etc. No one to blame but myself. The other thing we missed was the room only had 3 drawers. Since I was rooming with my daughter we had the beds separated. Well when separated there was about 6 inches between the beds. As I said the rooms were kind of small.

Misc

We did not have the greatest weather on this cruise which is not RCL’s fault. One day we had gusts of 63mph and rain. They closed the upper decks and warned people about the balconies. The ship really handled it well, very little rocking. Thanks Captain! There was always other things to do so we were fine. Although we didn’t have children with us they looked like they were having fun in the childrens area. I wish the staff would have done something about the number of children “swimming” in the adult whirlpools.

This was my first time traveling as a Diamond member. I loved it, the perks are great. I think RCCL does the best with this. Only glitch was the drinks that are loaded on your card. If I didn’t tell the bartender that it was on my diamond club, I would get charged (even though my card said diamond) From what I had read it was supposed to be automatic

Bumps along the way

We had a few things happen on board that has never happened to me before. Did they ruin my vacation, no, I wouldn’t let that happen. Was it annoying yes.

The first day on the cruise while we were out at sea, I was at the casino and ordered a drink. They came back and said my card wasn’t working and had to go to guest relations. It worked in the slots but not to buy things. Went there, well you all know what the lines are like on the first day. Finally got to front, my account had been shut down. They had no idea why, but reactivated it.

The third day I got a message that since I was paying with cash I needed to put a deposit on the account. I was not paying with cash, I had put in my credit card with preregistration and they swiped it at the port. Back to guest services. Somehow all my information was not there – once again they had no idea why. Gave them the credit card again and I was good.

We usually pick a place to have a drink before dinner. We decided to go to the Globe and Atlas. The service there was terrible. They would be standing there talking and ignore you. When they did come over it was like a real effort. We went there 5 times, same staff and unlike other places around the ship where they recognize you when you have been there a couple of times they never even smiled never mind welcome back. No wonder the place was always empty unlike on other ships where it is full most of the time.

The last one was the most annoying of all. We were in Chops eating and as I said the food and service was great up to the end. As the waiter was pouring the last of the bottle of wine into my daughter’s glass which she has ordered he turned to me and said “someone is going to get lucky tonight”. I turned to him and looked him straight in the eyes and said “Not with my daughter”. Even if he was joking that is something that never should have been said. It was insulting and demeaning. My daughter was embarrassed as was the other couple at the table.

Final Thoughts

All in all it was a great cruise. Would I go on it again, you bet. For some reason that I can’t put my finger on I like the Allure a little better and in talking to others they said the same but couldn’t really say why. If you have a chance go you will enjoy it and don’t let little bumps spoil your vacation just chalk it off.

Any questions, let me know and I will try to answer them.

 

Good review. Too bad regarding the idiot waiter. I've cruised some 40 times and never met any rude or disrespectful waiters. I've been on Oasis and Allure and never stepped foot in the WJ--fewer selections than on other ships. With regards to omelets, you could have had freshly made at Johnny Rockets and the Shipwreck Grill.

[lovelife]

With regards to omelets, you could have had freshly made at Johnny Rockets and the Shipwreck Grill.

 

What is the Shipwreck Grill? Have not heard of that. Was it something added during refurb?

[nelblu]

What is the Shipwreck Grill? Have not heard of that. Was it something added during refurb?

 

Sorry, meant Wipe Out Café on deck 15--thinking of another ship--my bad.